From March 9th through the 19th, New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward and Holy Cross hopes to restore, create, preserve, sustain, and green their neighborhood by rebuilding as the nation's first zero carbon community! Historic Green is a non-profit formed in part by USGBC Central Plains EGB Leaders whose project may be the first project in the nation "designed to integrate sustainable restoration practices with preservation of an entire historic community."

HG is in it's third year as a ten-day volunteer project led by a network of hundreds of young professional and student volunteers in the green building industry. Among those making the journey for this volunteer opportunity will be Nathan Benjamin, Founder+Principal of PlanetReuse. In the past two years, homes have been weatherized, rain gardens built, damaged homes deconstructed, playgrounds restored, and educational programs have been put into place. While these projects continue, the newest HG volunteer project, aimed at LEED Platinum certification, will be the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association and Center for Sustainable Economic Development’s headquarters.

If you would like to donate you time, materials, or financial assistance to Historic Green and their outstanding cause, please check out the HG website!